S5 Vintage California

A Perfect Pairing: DLW Cali Mk2 Dial & S5 Vintage Case

Every now and then, a build just clicks. It’s that perfect combination of parts that work so well together, it feels like they were made for each other. That’s exactly how I feel about this latest creation—pairing DLW’s latest Cali Mk2 dial with the S5 Vintage case.

The Case – Classic Vintage Vibes

The S5 Vintage case is one of my favorites. Inspired by the classic designs of the ‘80s, it’s got the perfect mix of vintage charm and modern refinement. The polished and brushed finishing gives it character, and it wears like a dream. It’s understated but far from boring, which makes it the perfect home for the unique Cali Mk2 dial.

The Dial – A Modern Take on a Classic Design

DLW’s Cali Mk2 dial brings that timeless California dial layout but with a fresh, modern execution. The mix of Roman and Arabic numerals is as iconic as ever, but the crisp, clean design makes it feel new. It’s easy to read, visually striking, and just full of character.

The Details That Make It Pop

This build is all about the small touches. The red seconds hand adds an unexpected but much-welcome extra pop of color, breaking up the otherwise neutral tones in the most satisfying way. And then there’s the green rubber strap—not something you see every day, but trust me, it works. The contrast with the case and dial is just beautiful, and it adds a sporty yet refined feel to the whole watch.

Inside the Case – NH38 Movement

As always, reliability is key. This build is powered by the NH38 movement, a solid, no-date automatic movement that keeps things simple and clean. It’s a workhorse, and it fits the overall aesthetic of this watch perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This build is proof that the right combination of parts can make all the difference. The Cali Mk2 dial and S5 Vintage case already work beautifully together, but the red seconds hand and green rubber strap take it to another level. It’s unique, stylish, and has just the right amount of boldness.

Create your handcrafted timepiece with Finemods.

Specifications

• Case: 39mm S5 Vintage by DLW

• Dial: Black Cali Mk2 by DLW (Lumed)

• Hands: Arrow / Samurai hands w/ Red Seconds hand (Lumed)

• Crystal: Flat sapphire (Blue AR)

• Strap: Green CTS Rubber strap

• Caseback: Standard

• Movement: NH38 Automatic

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